The US government now owns the story of Colton Harris-Moore, the delinquent thief and burglar who will cool his heels in prison, while a movie about his exploits as the "Barefoot Bandit" appears headed to a theatre near you.

The 20-year-old has pleaded guilty to seven federal felony charges in a plea agreement that recommends he serve between five and six year for a crime spree that included bank robbery, stealing an aircraft, flying a plane without a licence and stealing a boat.

Still pending are more than 30 state felony charges in four counties, which could add time to Harris-Moore's sentence.

A 28-page plea agreement filed in the federal case indicates Harris-Moore is negotiating the sale of the rights to his life story for a movie, and the US government wants the negotiations to succeed.

Harris-Moore owes almost $US1.5 million ($1.4 million) to state and federal authorities.

US Attorney Jenny Durkan said in a statement that Harris-Moore will not profit from his crimes, and his victims will be compensated to the greatest extent possible.

"While we cannot stop him from telling his story, we can make sure he never sees a dime for his crimes," he said.

Harris-Moore was arrested on July 11 in the Bahamas, after a dramatic high-speed boat chase on Bahamas Harbour Island, one week after police found the wreckage of a stolen plane they believe he flew to the archipelago.